GM intergrated trailer brake controller?

[IXLR8]

I was looking at a new GM truck, 2500HD, and one of the options listed was an integrated trailer brake controller. I gathered it automatically controlls the braking force of the trailer depending on the load.
Does anybody know anything about this? How well does it actually work?

[crbr]

Originally Posted by IXLR8

I was looking at a new GM truck, 2500HD, and one of the options listed was an integrated trailer brake controller. I gathered it automatically controlls the braking force of the trailer depending on the load.
Does anybody know anything about this? How well does it actually work?

A trailer brake controller integrates the towing vehicle's hydraulic brakes with the trailer's electric brakes. It also gives the driver manual control of the trailer's brakes.

Right now GM is having issues with this option as described here ==> Integrated Brake Controller - GM-Trucks.com

Personally I'd opt for an aftermarket integrated controller such as the BrakeSmart

For comparison, you can get a Prodigy for about $100 and install it yourself. The Brake Smart will cost you around $425 and requires that you install a sensor in the hydraulic brake line of the truck with the sensor wire run through the firewall.

By constantly sensing the exact hydraulic pressure in the brake lines the Brake Smart can instantly synchronize your trailer or RV brakes to your truck brakes under all conditions.

[Diamondpilot]

I would personally opt for the factory brake controller. I have a Ford F-350 with one and it is awesome. It is by far the smoothest controller I have ever used. The thing I like the most is it works with the anti lock brakes on the truck for better control and in my case it works in reverse while backing large boats, 15,000# - 25,000# down the wet boat ramp without using the manual control on the brake box like I do with my other trucks with after market units.

One last thing to think about is why a 2500? A 3500 is only a few dollars more and will haul about 1000# more in the bed, tow better due to the heavier suspension, and will tow more in most cases. I made the mistake of getting a F-250 and quickly wanted a F-350. Most 3/4 truck owners I know wish they spent the extra $750 or so and steeped up.

Chris

[IXLR8]

Originally Posted by Diamondpilot

One last thing to think about is why a 2500? A 3500 is only a few dollars more and will haul about 1000# more in the bed, tow better due to the heavier suspension, and will tow more in most cases.
Chris

Chris, My Tacoma is being replaced due to frame rust and I am looking for a truck to replace it. I only need a truck to pull my tractor about 3 times a year, a properly packaged 1500 is rated to do the job, barely. I am going with the 2500 for a little margin. This is not a work truck, more a pleasure use truck, don't want the stiffer suspension of the 3500, doubt I will put more than 5K miles a year on it. I have heard some horror stories with 'aftermarket' brake controllers, more operator induced than anything to do with the actual controller. If it worked well, I though a good intergrated controller would be better. From what you have said... sounds like Ford's intergrated controller is working better than GM's.

[KAB]

Originally Posted by crbr

A trailer brake controller integrates the towing vehicle's hydraulic brakes with the trailer's electric brakes. It also gives the driver manual control of the trailer's brakes.

Right now GM is having issues with this option as described here ==> Integrated Brake Controller - GM-Trucks.com

Personally I'd opt for an aftermarket integrated controller such as the BrakeSmart

There is a fix for it now. It appears to be a lack of adaquate grounding somewhere between the 7 pin connector on the truck and where the ground connects at the trailer. It is kind of funny to me since I had the same problem with an aftermarket controller.

Kurt

[Builder]

Originally Posted by IXLR8

Chris, My Tacoma is being replaced due to frame rust and I am looking for a truck to replace it. I only need a truck to pull my tractor about 3 times a year, a properly packaged 1500 is rated to do the job, barely. I am going with the 2500 for a little margin. This is not a work truck, more a pleasure use truck, don't want the stiffer suspension of the 3500, doubt I will put more than 5K miles a year on it. I have heard some horror stories with 'aftermarket' brake controllers, more operator induced than anything to do with the actual controller. If it worked well, I though a good intergrated controller would be better. From what you have said... sounds like Ford's intergrated controller is working better than GM's.

Sounds like a 1/2 or 3/4 ton is plenty of truck, but just a little FYI on 1-ton trucks: A 1 ton SRW rides identical to a 3/4 ton SRW. The only difference is a little taller block on top of the rear axle and a helper spring on top of the rear spring pack. This helper doesn't even touch the spring stops until the truck takes on a substantial load. When it does touch, it actually improves the ride over a 3/4 ton.

There's a lot of urban myth about 1 ton trucks and stiff ride that's unsubstantiated. When it comes to 3/4 and one ton trucks, the ride is nearly identical.

[em14]

I have a 2007 New Body Style 3500 Dura Max Allison Trans and the "GM" Controller ... Right after I started to tow trailers I started getting a Command Center Message which was telling me to "Check the Trailer Wiring" ... The mechanic and I checked everything and could not locate the problem. The mechanic communicated with GM/Chevy and they were aware of the problem and were working on it ... a couple months later the dealer received a new relay unit which is mounted on the frame (if I remember correctly) just above the rear axle .... no more messages ... Also, I continued to use the truck while waiting for the "redesigned relay" with out any hint of a problem and the brakes worked just fine through out all of this. I like having the control unit in the cab in the dash away from my leg. The unit has worked without a problem since installing the redesigned relay!

[firemanpat2910]

I give another vote for factory installed. I have several brands of after market over the last 20 years, The Ford factory in my new 250 is hands down better. No knee banging, with in easy reach, easy to adjust, covered by oem warranty, no blaming a 3rd party device or 4th party installer. Chevy didnt have the option on 07s when I bought last truck it was one of my reasons for going back 2 ford.

[offcamber]

If you go the aftermarket route I give another vote for the Prodigy. Best brake control I have used....I have never used a factory or a BrakeSmart so I can't compare it. However the prodigy is way better than any of the cheaper controlers available.

[bdeboer]

We have an '08 Chevy with the integrated brake controller, it seems to work without problem. I did read somewhere that it was tied into the vehicles anti-lock system also, which may be an advantage. I purchased the truck off the lot, and this was one of the options. I probably would have stayed with my Prodigy if I ordered a truck. My thoughts being $100 to replace if it fails when the truck is out of warranty.